I N   T H I S   U P D A T E       ...and for our prayers:

*       Pastor Phil's Prayer Letter

1.    Q & A:  "SO THAT" PRAYING
2.    Q & A: PASTOR TO PASTOR
3.    PASTORS' PRAYER GROUPS TAKE NOTE
4.    POWERFUL PRAYERS FOR YOUR KIDS
4.    TOUGH WORDS FOR PREACHERS
5.    TOUGH WORDS FOR PREACHERS
6.    QUOTE / QUOTE
7.    PRISON + COLLABORATION + PRAYER
8.    PRAYING FOR A CITY
9.    A STRONG WORD ON PRAYER
10.    PRAYING FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH

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2.    Q & A: PASTOR TO PASTOR

Hi Phil,

    Have a question for you.  We currently have about 30 people spending an hour each week in our prayer room.  It has been a good ministry,   however I have one concern based on feed back from several people.   The prayer needs can be a little overwhelming.  There's a lot of heavy stuff week after week.   How does the intercessory keep from all allowing all these burdens from pulling him down?
    
Thanks,  Pastor Gary Allen

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Hi Gary,

It would be wise for the Pastor to write a brief letter that every Prayer Room participant sees when they come:
    -Thanking them for their act of service
    -Challenging them to pray with big faith
    -Reminding them that they should seek the Holy Spirit's assignments so they know which requests "have their name" on them.

This gives the intercessor permission to pray longer and deeper over a fewer number of requests.

Also suggest that they quickly look over the requests to group them by topic or need, praying for several similar petitions at the same time.

Hope this helps, Phil    
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3.    PASTORS' PRAYER GROUPS TAKE NOTE
 

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4.    POWERFUL PRAYERS FOR YOUR KIDS    

 

Focus on the Family - August / September  2003  p.14
 
 

Quick Powerful Prayers for Your Kids
 

       by  Letitia Suk
 
    My need for prayer jumped off the charts when I became a mom.  Sleeping dilemmas, separation issues, sickness, school stuff, other kids - I cannot manage any of it without outside help. More than any book or expert advice, prayer has been my most powerful parenting tool.
    Most Christian parents want to pray for their kids but aren't sure how to fit it in the early years of parenting, it was hard to get beyond "God bless Jeshua, and help him sleep!" Finding time to pray was often a big challenge, and trying to be creative just made me tired. As the size of our family grew and my desperation for God's help increased, I learned how to pray on the go.
1. Drive-though prayer. We have drive-through banks, drive-through meals and drive-through pharmacies. Why not drive-through prayer? When you drive through your neighborhood or park, past schools and friends' homes, pray for them. My husband would intentionally drive past our children's junior high school, and in the time it took to pass by he prayed for the school. The time spent praying was less than a minute, but several times a week over the course of the 11 years our kids were there amounted to a lot of prayer.
2. Write it down. Like grocery shopping without a list, I have a hard time remembering what to pray about without writing it down. A small note book in my purse and larger one in my living room keep track of my family's needs.
3. Double the effort. "I'll pray for yours if you'll pray for mine" exchanges with other parent-friends have motivated me to keep praying knowing that my friend was counting on me. I usually make an agreement to pray for a particular length of time, such as a school year or sports season.
4. By the book. The pray-as-you-read is a great method. When I read about Daniel facing the lions, I ask for that kind of courage for my children. Queen Esther's confidence in God's faithfulness becomes a prayer request for my daughters. Paul's boldness is something I want for my sons. In addition, I browse the Psalms. "Your word is a lamp for (child's name here)'s feet and light for (his or her) path" (Psalm 119:105) or "Teach (child's name here) O Lord, to follow your decrees; then (he or she) will keep them to the end" (Psalm 119:23).
5. In the moment. Sometimes I do my best praying while I do my daily rounds: walking the dog, driving to work, preparing dinner. Sometimes looking at all the activities posted on the refrigerator door gives me a place to start. I think this is what the apostle Paul meant when he encouraged us to pray continually.
 
Letitia Suk is a mother of four. She lives in Evanston, IL.
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5.    TOUGH WORDS FOR PREACHERS

 

Dale Schlafer: President
Center for World Revival & Awakening
P.O Box 993,Eastlake,Co.80614 USA
Web Sight: <www.revialandawakening.org>
Phone: 303.464.1089    /    Fax: 303.464.1162
 

6.    QUOTE / QUOTE

 

   “We need a deep, cleansing revival that returns us to passionate, biblical Christianity.  I am not talking about a "flopping, hopping, run around the church sanctuary" emotional experience, but an all consuming return to the pursuit of Christ's character and power.”                Francis Frangipaine
 

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>From: MinhDChau@aol.com

 

OPERATION STARTING LINE
 

Operation Starting Line is a collaborative effort on the part of over 20 national Christian ministries and thousands of local churches and local collaborating ministries to reach every prisoner in every prison of America.

Some collaborating ministries are Prison Fellowship Ministries, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Promise Keepers, Campus Crusade For Christ, Walk Thru The Bible, The Navigators, The North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, The American Bible Society, Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation, Ramah International, Mission America, Intercessors For America, Crossroads Bible Institute, Koinonia House, and others.

Pastors and ministry leaders are encouraged to participate in all the ways they can: (1) volunteer recruitment (2) use of facility for prayer or training (3) follow-up/discipleship (4) enlist to pray for OSL. Apart from caring for the hungry and clothing the naked, visiting those in prisons is an act of compassion that is dear to the heart of Jesus. (Matthew 25:31-46) It is important for pastors and churches who seek city transformation to get involved and mobilized their congregations to reach and disciple the prison population. There is a saying: "Who do you want coming back to your neighborhood?"  

Thousands of volunteers are needed for every campaign, both to participate in the in-prison events, and also to provide mentoring and support during the years after the in-prison events. Training, guidance and counsel are provided. The main recruiting of the long-term volunteers is through participating churches and through the constituencies of the collaborating organizations. If you are interested in participating or for more information, log onto www.operationstartingline.net  or call (877) 414-4675 (4OSL). To pray with and for OSL and receive prayer alerts via email and campaign prayer guides, please visit the "Prison Prayer" page at www.ifapray.org  or send an email to PrayOSL@aol.com  with your name, address, and email.    
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8.    PRAYING FOR A CITY
 

>From: "Sharon Barnes" <sharonann@cityreachingwomen.com>

I was at an event in the city of Riverside, California (the county seat of Riverside) on the lawn of the county courthouse where 40 pastors came together to declare with the mayor to declare a proclamation over the city that it once again be a city of refuge and be a city for God.  I guess the man who first founded the city was a Christian believer, John Wesley North, who had a vision for these things over the city originally.  They were speaking back over it its heritage.  It was an awesome time where we worshipped and then joined with individuals of different ethnicity, age, and denomination while they prayed prayers of repentance, revival, and renewal over the city and county. It was an incredibly inspiring time to fathom that we were holding this service in front of the county courthouse!   As an estimate, there were probably 300-400 people of several different nationalities and cultures present.  An evangelist, Raul Daiz, shared his own personal story and the way to God through Jesus very clearly.  12 young men came forward to say, “Yes” that they wanted to turn their lives back around to God!

Here is what the Proclamation of Dedication said:

“We, members of Riverside’s Christian community, representing many ethnic groups and languages, gather on this tenth day of May, 2003, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to dedicate ourselves and this city to the glory of God.  We come as servants of god following His command to love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Acknowledging that Jesus Christ is the vine and we are the branches and that as we abide in Him and He in us we will bring forth much fruit, we humbly come before God affirming and dedicating ourselves to the Biblical principles of reconciliation, unity and love:

Believing that our identification with Jesus makes us representatives of God’s Kingdom and ambassadors of reconciliation, (2 Corinthians 5:16-21), we affirm that all people are equal in the family of god and declare that Christ in His body has struck down all divisions of race, socio-economic standing, and gender (Galatians 3:28);

Believing that God commands and enables unity among the children of God, we dedicate ourselves to remaining united in purpose through the Spirit of Jesus Christ (Psalm 144, John 17:21; Romans 12:5 and Ephesians 4:5).

Believing that all of God’s commandments are fulfilled when we love God and love our neighbor, we commit ourselves to loving all in heart and deed (Matthew 22:37-39).

We believe that founder John Wesley North’s vision for Riverside as a place of refuge for the hurting, justice for all peoples, and economic prosperity will be fulfilled as these principles of reconciliation, unity, and love are put into action:

As a city of refuge, Riverside will exemplify God’s ways by offering compassion, mercy, and empowerment for the disadvantaged (Isaiah 58:6-12).  May Riverside flourish as a city of refuge!

As a city of justice, Riverside will exemplify God’s rule by ensuring freedom from oppression and fostering equality and healthy relationships among all people (Zechariah 7:9 and Micah 6:8).  May Riverside flourish as a city of justice!

As a city of prosperity, Riverside will exemplify God’s provision by giving support, service, strength, and righteous advancement to its citizens and neighbors (Joshua 1:6-8 and Genesis 12:2)  May Riverside flourish as a city of prosperity!

In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God promises to forgive His people and heal their land when they humble themselves, pray, seek the Lord’s face, and turn from their wicked ways. Believing these words, we members of riverside’s Christian community submit ourselves to the Lordship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, admit our complete dependence on God’s grace and mercy and earnestly seek forgiveness for our sinful ways.  By consequence of these acts and through the authority of Jesus Christ, we proclaim on this tenth day of May, 2003, that the City of Riverside is hereafter dedicated to God for the fulfillment of His intentions and purposes.”

Gratefully in the Lord,
Sharon Ann Barnes
CityReaching Women    
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>From: "" <PTM@prayertransformation.com>
>At: http://www.prayertransformation.com/

I received this timely word from the Sentinel Group today, and wanted to pass it along...
I would ask you to give serious consideration to what is written here from one who is living in the midst of transformation, and looks at us from that perspective. To be honest, I don’t think we have really understood in this country what this kind of prayer means.
Read carefully, and listen humbly. The Lord may have something to say.

Your servant in Christ, Steve Loopstra, Executive Director, Prayer Transformation Ministries

Dear Steve,

"The destiny of America is in your hands," said John Mulinde. Mulinde, a leader of the national prayer movement in Uganda, was in Seattle, Wash. speaking at a conference on prayer sponsored by the Westside Church on October 17-19, 2003. Quietly, and intensely with great gravity, Mulinde urged the people to pray-to go beyond petitioning, seek and knock until God's purposes for this land are fulfilled.

"Most people don't pray unless provoked," said Mulinde of World Trumpet Mission based in Kampala. He knows whereof he speaks.

"In Uganda we were provoked. We learned prayer the hard way," said Michael Kimuli, Mulinde's colleague who also spoke at the conference. When Muslim General Idi Amin declared Uganda to be an Islamic state in 1975, only some three percent were Muslim. It became a crime to pray in the name of Jesus. Great persecution followed. Unsafe in their houses at night, people fled to the forests. There, many cried out to God day and night.

When Amin was deposed the people were "grateful to God, but that's all," according to Mulinde. When conditions grew worse under Amin's successor, Obote, thousands of people again began to pray in earnest. "After two years of deep travail, God answered and people stopped praying." Then came the AIDS scourge. By 1988 Uganda had the highest rate of AIDS in the world. The World Health Organization's prediction was dire: a third of the population would die by 1997, and another third would be too weak to work.

Give me a net and I'll fish Uganda out of troubled waters, God spoke to Mulinde. He knew that prayer was that net. Convinced that God had a redemptive purpose for his nation that the enemy was trying to destroy, Mulinde began to travel the country calling people to prayer. Thousands joined together to fast and pray. President Museveni, in a day of national repentance, repealed Uganda's covenant with Islam and rededicated the nation to God. "The people wailed for six hours, and past wounds were healed." Prayer in Uganda had moved past provocation to partnering with God to see His purposes fulfilled.

"God changed the reputation of Uganda from a nation forsaken to a model in Africa," said Mulinde. Today churches are thriving, Christian media is influential, and prayer fellowships are active among lawyers, and members of parliament. The central bank of Uganda doesn't start the day without prayer. Three radio stations lead the nation in prayer from five to six a.m. Secular stations are giving programs free to pastors to try to attract listeners back. The economy has recovered. The HIV/AIDS infection rate has dropped from 30 percent in 1995 to five percent. Christians of all confessions are networking to "make disciples of the whole nation and serve other nations."

John Mulinde stood before the Seattle conference and expressed a deep concern for America, saying we started as a "city on a hill" whose purpose was to take the Gospel to the nations. Visiting here he says he is aware that this nation is "covered with layers upon layers of darkness that resists the prayers of God's people." He said, "In the U. S. there are a lot of prophetic actions with little result, as they didn't originate from the heart of God. The cry of sin is louder than the cry of prayer. When the cry of prayer is louder, nothing will hold back the purposes of God." He urged the listeners to see themselves as godly priests, and prayer as a partnership with God. "To the degree we understand God's heart for the nations, prayer will be effective." He said, "We are agents who bring in the kingdom of God. A rottenness in the land is not blamed on the sinner, but on the people of God who don't intercede. America has an opportunity before it. God will use America in judgment or in revival, depending on whether it repents. The destiny of America is in your hands."

Have You Thought?
"What is it in my life that will hold back the Spirit of God?" (John Mulinde)

Prayer Call
"Ask God for a desire to be in His presence. Go past asking for things. Break through to the seeking level-for Him, for His heart, His revelation. When you break through you'll learn the heart of God for your city. We need the Holy Spirit, not strategies." (John Mulinde)

{To subscribe send and email to: PTM@prayertransformation.com with the word subscribe-intercessors  in the body of the message}
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10.    PRAYING FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH
 

>From: missioncarolina@yahoogroups.com

Contents:
1. 2002 International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
2. Open Doors offers "The Muslim Challenge" Booklet
3. Free 21-Day Devotional
4. "Write a letter" to a persecuted Christian
5. "Make Me Your Voice II" to be released at the end of April
6. Prayer Points Continue to Empower the Persecuted Church

1. 2002 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH
Plans are underway to observe the 2002 International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.  On November 10, 2002, thousands of churches around the world will unite in prayer, praise, and petition on behalf of the persecuted church.  Prayerfully consider how you and your church or local small group might be a part of this vitally important movement to sustain and empower believers in the face of great persecution.  Be watching our partner websites listed below for 2002 IDOP resource kits.
http://www.persecutedchurch.org

2. OPEN DOORS OFFERS “THE MUSLIM CHALLENGE” BOOKLET
Having traveled to the Muslim world numerous times over the past 35 years, Brother Andrew believes the greatest challenge facing Christians is the religion of Islam.  This informative booklet explores the fastest growing religion of today's world and urges you to break stereotypes and share the gospel of Christ boldly in your own backyard. To receive your booklet today, contact Open Doors with Brother Andrew toll free at 888-5-BIBLE-5, or write to Open Doors at PO Box 27001, Santa Ana, CA 92799.  There is a charge of $3.00 per booklet, plus shipping.
http://www.opendoorusa.org

3. FREE 21-DAY DEVOTIONAL ON THE PERSECUTED CHURCH
Persecution unto death is a reality for so many believers.  Often Prayer for the Persecuted Church receives emails asking, "What can I do for the persecuted church?” Now Bible League offers a free 21-day devotional entitled "Living by the Word" Even when Facing
Death." In this insightful resource, you will be challenged in your walk with the Lord Jesus, and you will learn how to pray and give more effectively for the persecuted Body of Christ worldwide.  To receive this devotional, or for more information on Bible League, visit their website at http://www.bible-league.org/offer/offer2.asp, or call 1-866-TBL-INFO.

4. “WRITE A LETTER” TO PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS
Voice of the Martyrs offers a unique way to increase prayer on behalf of the persecuted church.  VOM encourages you to "write a letter" to a prisoner for their faith. Instead of sending your letter to the prisoner, VOM suggests that you pray God will meet their needs and intervene on their behalf.  VOM also provides addresses to political and governmental leaders for writing behalf of prisoners.  To learn more about VOM's "Write a Letter to a Persecuted Christian Campaign,” visit their website at
http://www.vom.org.

5. “MAKE ME YOUR VOICE II”
A recent gathering at the “House of Blues Sunset Strip” was held in honor of musician and friend of the persecuted church, Ken Tamplin. The event was held to acknowledge Ken's recent efforts in providing aid for countries like Sudan & Afghanistan against extreme human rights violations. Ken continues to be a tremendous supporter the persecuted church, and plans are underway to release his new album "Make Me Your Voice II" at the end of April.  Be watching our website, http://www.persecutedchurch.org,  for updates on this release.  Proceeds from this album will be directed to organizations that minister to the persecuted.  To find out more about the Ken's new CD, his music, and his work to aid the suffering, visit his website at http://www.makemeyourvoice.com. 

6. PRAYER POINTS CONTINUE TO EMPOWER THE PERSECUTED CHURCH
In Acts 8:1-3, we read that the stoning of Stephen birthed a great wave of suffering for the early church and its members.  Religious zealots and those in opposition to the Gospel went door-to-door searching for the "heretical followers of the Way,” determined to rid the world of any believer in Jesus.

But in verses 4-8 of the same chapter, we also read that those who were part of the persecuted church continued to share the gospel message wherever they were forced to go.  In Samaria, an entire city was revived and renewed with the hope of this message as believers were empowered to share Jesus with the lost.

Today, as in the early church, there are many who oppose the spreading of the Gospel message.  But like that city in Samaria, our world can also be changed with the power of this message!

Prayer for the Persecuted Church invites you to pray daily for those who are suffering because of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  By empowering the persecuted church with gifts of your time and resources, and by continuing to stand with them in prayer and action, surely the Body of Christ will continue to be built and expanded in the world's darkest places.  http://www.persecutedchurch.org/do/pray/points.cfm
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SPONSORING MINISTRIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE
PERSECUTED CHURCH:

Bible League – http://www.bibleleague.org 
Christian Solidarity International – http://www.csi-int.ch
Christian Solidarity Worldwide - http://www.cswusa.com 
Christians in Crisis with Pastor Wally – http://www.christiansincrisis.com 
Compass Direct - http://www.compassdirect.org 
Family Research Council - http://www.frc.org 
International Christian Concern - http://www.persecution.org 
Iranian Christians International - http://www.farsinet.com/ici
Jubilee Campaign - http://www.jubileecampaign.org
Make Me Your Voice - http://www.kentamplin.com
Open Doors with Brother Andrew - http://www.opendoorsusa.org
The Bishop Gassis Sudan Relief Fund – http://www.petersvoice.com/sudan.htm
The Voice of the Martyrs - http://www.persecution.com
World Evangelical Fellowship Religious Liberty Commission – http://www.worldevangelical.org

SHATTER THE SILENCE is a monthly electronic newsletter produced by Prayer for the Persecuted Church to provide information to encourage the followers of Christ to compassionate prayer and action on behalf of the persecuted Church.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Prayer for the Persecuted Church
http://www.persecutedchurch.org
P.O. Box 26047
Santa Ana, CA 92799
email: idop@xc.org
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